INEQUALITIES IN CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING: A COMPARATIVE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS BETWEEN MACRO-REGIONS OF PARANÁ AND THE NORTH AND NORTHEAST REGIONS OF BRAZIL (2016–2025)

Abstract

 Introduction: Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue in Brazil, reflecting structural inequalities in access to healthcare services.Objective: To analyze epidemiological patterns of cervical cancer screening and diagnosis in the macroregions of Paraná compared to the North and Northeast regions of Brazil.Methods: Ecological, retrospective, and descriptive study based on secondary data from DATASUS (SISCAN and Oncology Panel), covering the period from 2016 to 2025, including women aged 35 to 44 years. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequencies. Results: A high concentration of diagnoses was observed in the Southern macroregion of Paraná (99.4%). Screening coverage was similar between Paraná (10.66%) and the North (10.72%), but lower in the Northeast (8.48%). A significant reduction in screening occurred in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by an uneven recovery across regions.Conclusion: Despite being preventable, cervical cancer remains associated with structural inequalities in healthcare access and quality, highlighting the need for strengthening public health policies aimed at improving screening and reducing regional disparities..